Postpartum depression:"A comprehensive review"

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common but underdiagnosed mental health disorder that affects women after childbirth. It is characterized by persistent sadness, anxiety, loss of interest, and impaired mother-infant bonding, with potential long-term consequences for both mother and child. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and management of postpartum depression. Evidence suggests that psychosocial stress, hormonal fluctuations, genetic predisposition, and lack of social support are major contributors to its onset. Treatment strategies include psychotherapy, pharmacological interventions, and preventive measures such as screening and early intervention programs. Multidisciplinary care involving obstetricians, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and primary care providers is essential to improve outcomes. Greater awareness, routine screening, and stigma reduction are critical to addressing the global burden of postpartum depression.